What's Next
Here we discuss the future of the project based on a reflection of how far we have progressed thus far. This includes:​
Summarizing Our Progress
The main work we have done with this project has consisted of three main steps: forming the basis for the project, exploring possible solutions, and beginning community outreach. Because we did not have an existing project to begin with, identifying the problem of Zanzibar waste management was a significant step in our group’s work. Once we gained understanding of the extent of the issue, we knew that this topic could not be ignored. Next, we started looking into potential ways to reduce the trash build-up in the community. (To learn more, visit our ‘Solution Strategy’ page.) We have most recently started to expand our outreach beyond our immediate contacts. Emails have been sent to department heads at Zanzibar State University and the University of Zanzibar to see if they are interested in working with us. Because this is a new project and we had limited time available to us, our work has been focused in laying the foundations for future groups
Project Limitations
One large limitation that we’ve faced is time. Initiating a new project requires a large amount of research, which was the primary focus of our first 4-5 weeks. Due to the quarter system, this did not leave us much time to actually get started on the project. Another significant obstacle has been the language barrier between our group and Zanzibar locals. We are uncertain whether our outreach emails will be understood. Many other projects address issues that are known and recognized in the community. On the contrary, many people in Zanzibar do not understand the health and environmental impacts of the trash build-up there. Those that do understand the issue are unaware of alternatives, so they continue to burn trash or litter. Due to the nature of the issue, it cannot be solved without collaboration of locals. Therefore, the lack of awareness has been a significant challenge, and we have worked tirelessly to find ways to address this.
Next Steps for Future Groups
In terms of education, the next step is to begin collaboration with students at the University of Zanzibar and/or Zanzibar State University. Thus far, we have reached out to a contact there via email to see if they are interested in working with us. We are uncertain as to whether the email will be read, understood, or returned. Although we have not yet heard back, the email was sent fairly recently. Should we fail to receive a response, UNIV 392 students may want to compose a follow-up email or try a different point of contact.
There is potential to spread awareness at an elementary level, which has not been the focus of our outreach thus far and could be developed by the UNIV 392 class. Ideally, a “trial run” waste management curriculum should be designed and introduced in a local Kairo elementary school. After this is completed, it will give insight as to what changes need to be made, what factors were unaccounted for, etc. Obviously, this is dependent upon the cooperation of the Kairo school teachers and administration.
Additionally, students working on this project in the future may want to look into ways to reduce waste at the points of production and purchase. For example, many people in Kairo purchase bottled water because it is the cleanest source of water available. Are there technologies that could give residents access to cleaner drinking water, thus reducing the waste from plastic bottles? Would this be of interest to the community? There is also the possibility of working with companies that are most favored by consumers in the area to design more sustainable packaging.
This project aims to reduce waste in Zanzibar; however, this will be impossible unless there is a heightened awareness of the issue on a local level. Because this is a new project, we have laid out many potential points of discussion with the Kairo community. Overall, the next step is to increase contact with Zanzibar students, officials, and other locals. Only through close collaboration can the project be successful.